HOW TO GET THERE?
Picking a destination is just as important as how you decide to get there. Transportation typically makes up most of your carbon footprint while traveling. Here are some tips for choosing the right transportation for the job.
By Car
If your vehicle is a real gas guzzler, try renting a car that gets good mileage like a hybrid or an electric car. It is worth doing a little research to see if the hotel or destination you are staying at has a free plug-in station.
By Train
Trains are still one of the most efficient and eco-friendly methods of travel, emitting the least amount of emissions and pollutants, regardless if they are diesel-powered or electric. What’s more, trains give you the opportunity to sit down and take in the sights while you wait to arrive at your destination.
By Plane
Plane travel emits roughly 2.5% of total greenhouse gas emissions or 850 million metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. While it is best to avoid air travel when possible, if you do have to travel by plane, buy a direct flight. Purchasing a ticket that features many stops increases your time in the air or on the tarmac creating an unnecessary increase in your carbon footprint. Another approach is to buy tickets through airlines invested in environmental initiatives like Jet Blue, which announced just this year that it would be going carbon neutral on all domestic flights starting July.
Offset Your Trip
Purchasing carbon offsets is a more recent solution to the environmental costs of travel. When you offset your trip, you are buying credits that fund conservation initiatives, CO2 sequestration projects, and organizations that prevent the emissions of greenhouse gasses. Try using the Climate Action Preserve, an offset registry that validates and rates offset programs.
Local Travel
You’ve finally arrived at your destination! Biking, walking, public transit and ride-sharing are excellent and eco-friendly ways to get around.
